Choosing a Community Partner

Choosing a community partner is a crucial step in developing effective service-learning experiences. First, consider the relationship between your college or university and its surrounding community. Is there a history of positive cooperation or mistrust? Building upon previous successes and being aware of any potential problems is important in building a successful partnership. Does your college have a tradition of volunteer service? What resources are available on campus to develop community partnerships?

Second, develop a better understanding of your community. How do others describe your community? What are community needs? Traditions? Strengths? Third, identify potential community partners by consulting local volunteer agencies, United Way agencies, or other community resources. Finally, once you've identified potential community partners, get to know agency personnel. Take the time to develop a personal relationship with key personnel.

Once a partnership is formed, an effective partnership requires all partners to share a common understanding of goals, operations, and benefits of the partnership. Principles to guide the development of effective partnership include: